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The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand—comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—is a highly revered Himalayan pilgrimage that is available to devotees for only a limited period each year. Harsh winter weather, heavy snowfall, and inaccessible mountain passes necessitate seasonal openings and closures for each temple. Understanding the opening and closing dates is critical for pilgrims to plan the journey safely and spiritually.
Unlike many temples in the plains, the Char Dham sites are located at high altitudes. As a result, they are accessible only after winter snow has sufficiently melted and weather conditions permit travel on mountain roads. Typically, the Char Dham season begins in mid to late April and extends until late October or early November. Within this window, roads, accommodation, and pilgrimage facilities operate smoothly.
Yamunotri is the westernmost shrine in the Char Dham circuit and represents the source of the sacred Yamuna River. The temple traditionally opens in April, often around the festival of Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. For the upcoming season, Yamunotri’s opening is scheduled in mid‑April, aligning with these traditional timings.
The closing date for Yamunotri falls in late October or early November, before winter snow begins to block access routes. The exact closing day is finalized based on weather forecasts and local administrative decisions as the season progresses. Pilgrims are advised to complete the Yamunotri darshan before the peak winter approach to avoid unsafe travel conditions.
Gangotri, located further northeast from Yamunotri, marks the origin of the sacred Ganga River. It follows a similar seasonal schedule. Gangotri generally opens in April, shortly after the snow has cleared enough to permit road travel. The shrine remains accessible throughout the summer and post‑monsoon season.
Gangotri’s closing date is typically set in late October or early November, similar to Yamunotri. Because of its slightly higher elevation, weather conditions can change quickly in autumn, so the closing decision is based on safety considerations and traditional almanac dates. Pilgrims often plan their Gangotri visit after Yamunotri due to its sequential position on the yatra route.
Kedarnath is one of the highest and most spiritually significant dhams in the Char Dham circuit. Due to its altitude and heavy winter snowfall, Kedarnath usually opens a few days after Yamunotri and Gangotri. The reopening is traditionally held in late April, when road clearance and weather conditions meet safety requirements.
The closing date for Kedarnath is one of the later ones in the season, often set in early November. Because road connectivity and trekking paths can be affected by early snowfall, authorities announce the final closure considering weather forecasts and pilgrim safety. Kedarnath’s remote location and altitude make timely travel essential to avoid abrupt weather disruptions.
Badrinath, the northernmost shrine in the Char Dham Yatra, opens soon after Kedarnath. The temple’s seasonal opening is also scheduled in late April, once the surrounding area is free of heavy snow and accessible by road. Badrinath is located at a somewhat lower altitude compared to Kedarnath but still experiences severe winter conditions that necessitate a defined pilgrimage season.
The closing date for Badrinath is typically one of the final events of the Char Dham calendar. It is scheduled in early November, shortly after major autumn festivals such as Vijayadashami and Bhai Dooj. After the closing date, the shrine enters a winter phase where darshan is not available and roads begin to close due to accumulating snowfall.
The opening and closing dates of the Char Dham temples are determined by a combination of religious traditions, weather patterns, and administrative planning. These dates are significant for pilgrims because they mark when the temples are fully accessible, when road travel is safest, and when supporting services such as accommodation, transport, and medical facilities are available.
Pilgrims must align their travel plans with these dates to ensure smooth darshan and travel experiences. Visiting outside the designated seasonal window can lead to road closures, landslides during monsoon months, limited services, and health risks due to unpredictable mountain weather.
The Char Dham Yatra season is structured around the Himalayan weather cycle. Winter months begin with heavy snowfall, blocking high‑altitude routes and making travel unsafe. Spring thaw opens the region gradually, starting in April, when snow‑clearing operations and road maintenance ensure safe travel up to the shrines.
During the monsoon (July–August), landslides and road disruptions can occur, although roads generally remain open. Post‑monsoon months—from September to October—are considered favorable due to clearer skies, moderate temperatures, and stable road conditions. As autumn progresses toward winter, the risk of early snow increases, prompting authorities to announce closing dates for all temples.
Although the Char Dham season typically extends from mid‑April to early November, there are two primary windows ideal for pilgrimage:
Early Season (May–June)
Roads are fully operational after winter snow clearance
The weather is generally stable, with clear views of the Himalayas
Accommodation and travel facilities are fully available
Post‑Monsoon Season (September–Early November)
Sky conditions improve, with reduced monsoon clouds
Temperatures are cooler but still manageable
Roads have stabilized after possible monsoon damages
Pilgrims choosing either window benefit from safer travel, better weather, and more predictable schedules. Planning within these periods reduces the likelihood of encountering weather‑related disruptions.
In addition to temple opening and closing dates, pilgrims should plan itineraries that include buffer days for travel delays. Mountain roads are sensitive to weather changes, and even within the designated season, landslides or road repairs can affect travel schedules.
Travelers should also confirm final dates released by local authorities, as temple opening and closing dates can shift slightly based on late winter conditions or early snowfall. Booking accommodations and transport well in advance for peak travel windows helps ensure a smoother experience.
Once the temples open, daily darshan schedules, evening arti, and special puja timings are followed throughout the season. Pilgrims are advised to check the daily schedule of each dham closer to their travel dates, as timings can vary based on local customs and operational considerations.
A typical Char Dham Yatra calendar follows this seasonal pattern:
Yamunotri: Opens mid‑April, closes late October/early November
Gangotri: Opens mid‑April, closes late October/early November
Kedarnath: Opens late April, closes early November
Badrinath: Opens late April, closes early November
